Down Syndrome Dog: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

If you want to know, can dogs have down syndrome? Or does your dog have down syndrome? You are at the right place, we will discuss this topic in detail from types and symptoms to causes and treatments.

What Actually is Down Syndrome in Humans?

Mostly we are known to have Down syndrome which is found in humans. This is basically a genetic disorder. Normally people have around 23 chromosomes in the nucleus of their cells. Genetic material is stored in these chromosomes.

These further depict the physical appearance of the person. Such as, height, traits of personality and gender of the person, it is obvious that not all are traits depending upon our genetics. But the environment in which we live has a deep impact on our personality.

People with Down Syndrome:

A person with down syndrome has an extra chromosome 21. This chromosome can be partial or a full chromosome. This results in some intellectual and physical traits which are associated with down syndrome. There is a difference in people who have different chromosomes. Many of them are not affected as others. As some can live a very normal life. The physical traits which are commonly seen;

• Small ears
• Short neck
• Flat face
• Large and big tongue
• Less prominent nose

Down Syndrome in Dogs:

If you are especially concerned about this question, “Can a dog suffer from Down Syndrome?”.

• Then your answer is “NO”.

Down syndrome is a disorder of genes that is specifically found in humans due to the extra chromosomes. So this cannot be found in dogs. On the other hand, there are some genetic disorders found in dogs. But those dogs who have an extra pair of chromosomes. They cannot be able to survive. They also can experience disorders of genetics but it is according to their species. This is mostly common in dogs of growing age or the pets that are quite young.

As now you know that dogs cannot have down syndrome. But they have some similar characteristics just like human beings. For example, many dogs may experience;

• Stunted growth
• Larger tongue
• Flat face
• Delayed or less cognitive abilities

Let’s get straight to the point if dogs also suffer from down syndrome. What are the types?

Dog with Down Syndrome and Symptoms of Disease:

As we have discussed above, dogs cannot have Down Syndrome. As this is the difference in the number of chromosomes in humans and dogs. As dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes and unlike it, humans have only 23 pairs of chromosomes. So, dogs cannot be diagnosed with this disorder. However, dogs can have some other genetic disorders. They may look like down syndrome, but these disorders happen due to the other genetic abnormalities.

1.    Pituitary Dwarfism:

This disease is basically a deficiency of hormones that are essential for the growth of dogs. This is mostly seen in German Shepherds, they mostly have stunted growth due to the lack of the hormones. This genetic mutation results in dogs who are short in height. There are also not enough thyroid-stimulating hormones. This usually lessens the lifespan of a dog but hormonal supplements can be helpful in some cases.

2.    Congenital Hydrocephalus:

The dogs who are affected by this disorder have big round skulls. Their eyes have a kind of abnormality, as they are not at one pace. There is fluid flooded in and around the brains of the dogs. Dogs are affected by this disease in different ways like some of them have less symptoms. Others may experience symptoms like movement disorder and blindness. The brains of these dogs don’t function normally.

3.     Hypothyroidism:

In this disease, the dogs have deficiency of the thyroid hormones. This ultimately results in stunted growth of the dogs. This deficiency also results in shorter legs and also a big and very prominent tongue. The deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to the late development of cognitive abilities. Brain development is also affected by this. There is also mental retardation seen due to this disease.

4.    Portosystemic Shunt:

Portosystemic Shunt is a disease by birth. In this, the dogs suffer from the abnormal blood vessels that are present between their intestine and the liver. These abnormal vessels circulate toxic ammonia into the vessels. All of the toxic material and also the nutrients cannot go through the process of absorption by the liver, as the vessels are not connected in a right way. 

This results mostly in abnormal traits like pressing of head. Seizures and head circling is also seen in this disease. The dogs with Portosystemic Shunt may also experience slow or stunted growth. Animals with this disorder are usually declared stable, but a neurological surgery can be planned to resolve the issues.

5.    Heart Disease:

Heart disease in your dog can have effects on its developments and normal life such as exercising. The symptoms of heart diseases may vary from the severity.

6.    Brachycephaly:

This is specially a medical term that is used for a specific breed of the dogs that are short nosed. For example, Boxers, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pugs. The airways of the dogs are compromised due to the irresponsible breeding of the dogs. This also results in flatter faces of these dogs. The appearances of these dogs are mostly compared to the people with Down Syndromes due to their flat faces. This is what raises questions if dogs also suffer from down syndrome.

Diagnosis of Dog with Down Syndrome:

If you think that the development of your dog or puppy is not normal or they are showing any symptoms of illness. Then you should consult a vet as soon as you can. After the examination the vet may recommend some tests to be done to find out more detail about the disease. The overall review of the health of your dog can be done through these tests. Example of these tests, such as;

• Bloodwork: A test which is done to know the blood cell count of your pet. The result of these tests can help you to know about the main disease or you should go for more specific tests for diagnosis. The hormone tests that are done can let you know about thyroid issues.

• Ultrasounds are also done in some cases to examine the liver and the blood vessels.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also further help to know about the development of the brain and the fluid in the spinal cord.

Causes of Down Syndrome in Dogs:

Most of the genetic disorder in dogs occurs by chance. But there is a deep impact of breed on the effectiveness of the disease. For example, pituitary dwarfism is mostly found in German Shepherds. There are no precautions that can be taken to prevent these diseases. This is just like Down Syndrome in human beings.

Treatments for Dogs with Down Syndrome:

The treatments for these disorders depend upon the diagnosis of the disease in your dogs. In some cases, vets recommend surgery for the disease. But in some cases the dogs are medically stable and can live their life normally. The vet can actually guide you in the right way for the treatment of the disease of your dog or any pet.

Home remedies for Dogs with Down Syndrome:

You cannot go for any home remedy for these genetic disorders. You can help your pet with a good quality life. Such as, a complete and healthy diet and proper exercise. Giving them a healthy and safe environment at home can help them more with developmental abnormalities. You can use gates on stairs to avoid them falling down and having any injury. This will be helpful more when there is any kind of blindness.

• Despite all of the mentioned things, you should consult your vet to seek professional help. As, your pet should need proper medication.

When to Seek a Professional Help from a Vet:

As mentioned above, down syndrome in animals is not a reality although some of the disorders may look alike to down syndrome. You should immediately consult a doctor right after you feel something is not normal about the growth of your pet. Schedule an appointment if you see any of these symptoms like;

• Some developmental delays
• Stunned or poor growth
• Short limbs
• Problem in hearing
• Abnormal features of the face
• Problems related to skin
• Problem related to vision or eyes
• Weakness

All of these can be a congenital abnormality, so make sure to check your pet by a vet to avoid any further complications.

FAQ’S:

Can dogs have autism or Down syndrome?

No, a dog cannot have down syndrome. But they can have other disorders that make them look like down syndrome.

What are the four types of Down syndrome?

There are 3 types of down syndrome which includes;

• Mosaicism
• Translocation
• Trisomy 21

Is Down syndrome a mental disability?

Down syndrome is one of the most common intellectual disabilities caused by genetics. The development of the body and brain of a child is affected by this.